Frogman, for my entire life I thought this was Latin American in origin. Music to me is what it convey's;
When they begin
the beguine
it brings back the sound
of music so tender
it brings back a night
of tropical splendor
it brings back a memory of green
I'm with you once more
under the stars
and down by the shore
an orchestras playing
and even the palms
seem to be swaying
when they begin
the beguine
to live it again
is past all endeavor
except when that tune
clutches my heart
and there we are swearing to love forever
and promising never
never to part
a moments divine
what rapture serene
to clouds came along
to disperse the joys we had tasted
and now when I hear people curse the chance that was wasted
I know but too well what they mean
so dont let them begin the beguine
let the love that was once a fire
remain an ember
let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember
when they begin the beguine
oh yes let them begin the beguine
make them play
til the stars that were there before
return above you
till you whisper to me
once more darling I love you
and we suddenly know what heaven we're in
when they begin
the beguine
These lyrics, plus the music convey Latin America. According to the creole of the Caribbean, especially in Martinique and Guadeloupe, the term "Beguine" applied to a style of music and dance, and in particular a slow, close couples' dance. This combination of French ballroom dance and Latin folk dance became popular in Paris.
Xavier Cougat's version convey's this better than Artie Shaw's version. Technically, you are right because Artie Shaw popularized it. My point beyond determining who's right or wrong, is to establish what music convey's to individuals; this is why music is always "subjective".
Enjoy the music.